Does the 2018 RAM 1500 have recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2018 RAM 1500, including Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve); Power Train › Axle Assembly. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2018 RAM 1500 problems?

Owners filed 667 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (159), engine (110), steering (90), fuel/propulsion system (81).

How much does a 2018 RAM 1500 cost to own for 5 years?

About $47,950 over 5 years ($799/month) at an estimated $16,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2018 RAM 1500

The 2018 RAM 1500 earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 46/100. Expect about $47,950 to own it for five years, or $799 a month. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 667 complaints.

Recalls: 15
Complaints: 667
5-yr cost: $48k
MPG (EPA): 17

Weak

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific 1500?

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15 recalls may apply

For the 2018 RAM 1500. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
Risk: A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $16,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$47,950

$799/month · $0.80/mile

Depreciation	$3,942
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,750
Fuel / charging	$11,825
Maintenance	$8,750
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$4,578
Taxes & fees	$2,105

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

667 complaints25 involved a crash8 involved a fire

Electrical System159
Engine110
Unknown Or Other92
Steering90
Fuel/Propulsion System81
Power Train60

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD

What to check on a used 2018 RAM 1500

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Steering
- Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
- Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2018 RAM 1500 problems

Cheaper alternatives

2018 Ford Maverick
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $39k · ↘ $8.9k less
2018 Nissan Frontier
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $43k · ↘ $4.8k less
2015 RAM 1500
Same model, 3 years older
5-yr $46k · ↘ $1.8k less

FAQ

Is the 2018 RAM 1500 a good car to buy?: The 2018 RAM 1500 earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 46/100. Expect about $47,950 to own it for five years, or $799 a month. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 667 complaints.
Does the 2018 RAM 1500 have recalls?: NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2018 RAM 1500, including Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve); Power Train › Axle Assembly. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2018 RAM 1500 problems?: Owners filed 667 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (159), engine (110), steering (90), fuel/propulsion system (81).
How much does a 2018 RAM 1500 cost to own for 5 years?: About $47,950 over 5 years ($799/month) at an estimated $16,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.